Measurement of wrist flexion and extension torques in different forearm positions

Abstract

BackgroundForceful activities of the wrist were considered to be a risk factor for the epicondylitis. However, there are still conflicting evidence concerning work-relatedness of epicondylitis. The main problem is that there is little information about which forearm postures are capable of withstanding higher torque loads and the extent of the differences in the torques generated by different forearm postures. The objective of this study was to investigate the differences in wrist flexion and extension torques among different forearm positions in healthy subjects.MethodsTwenty wrists of 10 asymptomatic volunteers were evaluated. The apparatus to measure the wrist torque consisted of a handle with a force sensor and a table to place the forearm in different positions. The direction of the handle can change when measuring different forearm positions. The forearm of the examinee was secured to the table. The participants were asked to exert themselves in maximal isometric contraction for wrist flexion or extension, and to maintain it for 5 s. Each evaluation of the flexion and extension torque was conducted twice. Three forearm positions were evaluated: neutral, pronation, and supination. The intra-class correlation coefficients between first and second measurements were evaluated for the maximum torque. The maximum torques and flexion/extension ratio were compared among the positions. In addition, the agility and endurance for the wrist extension/flexion torques were compared among the positions.ResultsThe intra-class correlation coefficients between first and second measurements were 0.928 and 0.866 for the wrist flexion and extension measurements, respectively. The highest torques for the wrist flexion and extension were observed in the supination and pronation positions, respectively (P < 0.01). There was a higher extension/flexion ratio in the supination position compared to the other positions (P < 0.05). There was a superior agility for the wrist flexion in the supination position compared to the pronation position.ConclusionsThe normal balance of the wrist flexion–extension torques in different forearm positions were characterized. This information might aid the provision of advice regarding the optimal positions for performing specific tasks and could help to elucidate the pathophysiology of epicondylitis.

Biomechanical performance of an intramedullary Echidna pin for fixation of comminuted mid‐shaft clavicle fractures

“…This suggests that the Echidna pin repair construct demonstrates greater resistance to axial loading and is likely to maintain a more stable reduction of the fracture components. The deployment and retraction of the Echidna pin spines required a mean 1.2 N.m of torque, which is substantially less than the maximal flexion torque capacity of the human wrist (8.0–11.9 N.m), suggesting ease of intraoperative pin placement and post‐operative removal.…”

Characterization and wearability evaluation of a fully portable wrist exoskeleton for unsupervised training after stroke

“…A minimal RoM of 140 ∘ (70 ∘ in flexion and extension) and an output torque at the wrist up to 3 Nm were chosen as design criteria based on previous work [ 13 , 59 , 60 ]. An angular velocity up to 180 deg/s (3.14 rad/s) was considered appropriate in a rehabilitation context, and subsequently in a daily life assistive context.…”

A fairly simple mechatronic device for training human wrist motion

“…Physical and occupational therapy can help relieve stiffness, keep the muscles as flexible as possible, and prevent other problems. 33 Yoshii et al 34 made a study of maximum wrist flexion and extensions torques (static position) in different forearm positions to healthy subjects. To the pronation position of the forearm, the maximum wrist flexion was 8.3 + 3.1 Nm and the extension was 6.5 + 1.4 Nm.…”